(HOUSTON) - Kristalynn Allen, 23, of Houston, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud Woodforest Bank of more than $20,000, United States Attorney Tim Johnson announced today.

Allen entered her plea this morning before United States District Judge Melinda Harmon, at which time she admitted she was part of an illegal check cashing ring. Specifically, Allen stated that other individuals would steal U.S. Treasury checks out of mailboxes and bring them to the Woodforest Bank location where Allen was a bank teller so that Allen could cash the stolen checks in exchange for a portion of the illegal proceeds.

Allen is set for sentencing before Judge Harmon on April 1, 2010, when she faces up to 30 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine.

The ongoing investigation leading to the charges against Allen is being conducted by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Varnado.